The Texas Department of Transportation reported more than 15,000 motor vehicle accidents in 2021. And more than 19,000 people were injured in those crashes. Unfortunately, some car crash injuries take days or months to become noticeable. So if you’re in a car accident, you might have an injury and not realize it. Below are some car accident injuries that can take a while to develop.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury following some motor vehicle accidents. The injury occurs when the head moves violently forward and backward. It damages the soft tissue, but the pain isn’t always immediate. Days or weeks after an accident, you might develop stiffness and pain in your neck, back or shoulders. Jaw pain and severe headaches can develop as well.
Back injuries
Back injuries can develop slowly because of pulled muscles or injuries to the spine. A spine injury might cause numbness or paralysis that comes on gradually. Walking or standing might eventually become painful as well. An injury to your back or spine can also affect your hands, legs, arms or feet.
Brain injuries
A sharp blow to the head can cause a concussion. Violent head and neck movements, like whiplash, can also cause trauma. However, brain injuries can go unnoticed for a time because the damage is internal. And the symptoms can develop slowly. Symptoms of brain injuries can include headache, confusion, forgetfulness, and dizziness. Ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus, can develop too.
Hidden injuries
Hidden injuries can result from any motor vehicle accident that causes trauma to your body. You might think you’re fine but develop symptoms over the next several days or weeks. However, if left untreated, hidden injuries can develop into serious problems.